A student procedures officer at Glyndŵr University in Wrexham, she endured a gruelling seven days in humid conditions.

However, Cynthia admits it was one of the highlights of her life and an experience she “will never forget”.

“It was an extremely hard week trekking in the mountainous Bwinde Forest region of Uganda,” said Cynthia, from Wrexham.

“The highlight of the week was spending an hour with a troop of seven gorillas, including the dominant silverback Rafiki – it was an amazing experience.

“Time went all too quickly and we came away very quietly, pinching ourselves that we had actually stood no more than a couple of metres away from these magnificent creatures.

“The whole experience was nothing like I had imagined, but much more than I could ever have hoped for.”

She added: “Uganda is beautiful, green, lush and very mountainous. The people are so friendly and helpful, and even though they are very poor in many ways they are full of energy and enthusiasm.”

Cynthia revealed it was “humbling” to be around people who give so much and have so little.

“Their way of life is something you can’t imagine in the 21st century,” she said.

“They have no electricity, no running water and no sanitation, but it was a very humbling experience talking to people who are trying extremely hard to raise self-worth amongst youngsters in their communities.

“A visit to a local school has prompted me send a parcel of books, pens and other equipment out to Uganda.”

She added: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to those of you who have supported me with sponsorship and purchasing sock dolls, which garnered a lot of money for the charities.

“I would also like to give huge thanks for all the moral support and well wishes I received from staff in Glyndŵr Universtiy.

“It really was an incredible experience, something I will treasure forever.”

Cynthia is collecting sponsorship up until Christmas. To support the charities, email her at eantonyjo@aol.com